As we enter into this Lenten season, prayer is one of the disciplines that many Christians will focus on. This morning, I stumbled upon this prayer penned by Rafael Cardinal Merry Del Val (1865-1930), who served as the Secretary of State for Pope St. Pius X. There is nothing specifically Roman Catholic about it, nor is there any reason it cannot be prayed by any Christian, regardless of background. We would all do well to pray this litany slowly and thoughtfully.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus. From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, Jesus. That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.

Note: calumniated means maligned, slandered, or defamed

#Lent #prayers

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we. worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

—Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, 1917

#lent #prayers

Almighty and Everlasting God, from Whom cometh down every good and perfect gift: We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, temporal and spiritual, bestowed upon us in the year past, and we beseech Thee of Thy goodness, grant us a favorable and joyful year, defend us from all dangers and adversities, and send upon us the fullness of Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

— Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, 1917

#prayers

O LORD God of our Fathers, Whose merciful ear is open unto our prayer, and from Whom alone must come our help: Regard in compassion Thy people, upon whom has fallen the scourge of war, that they may take to heart Thy righteous judgments, be prepared for all trials, sustained and comforted in all distresses, and be graciously delivered, in Thine own time and way, from all threatening calamities; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

— Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, 1917

#prayers

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